Create a copy of feature that is separate from original?

[RachelMassa]

I want to make copies of the layers I use for field maps for my coworkers. I want the duplicated layer to be the same as mine but any changes made will not affect the original. I tried using copy and duplicate in the new map viewer, but when creating a new feature in the layer, that feature is populated in the duplicate and original layer. help? 

[DavidPike]

What type of layer is it?  Click on the ellipsis/breadcrumb '...' then there should be a 'Save as' option.  Or is it greyed-out?  

[RachelMassa]

it is a point layer. Yes I've tried the save as option, still results in the original being affected. 

[DavidPike]

If you Save As, it wont automatically add into the Map.  You should find the new 'Save As' layers if you go to your content, or you can add the newly saved layer into your Map if you browse for it using Add Data.  

[RachelMassa]

Yes that's what I did, in both the new map viewer and map viewer classic. Save as with a different name and then adding that new layer to the map. Adding features to the new layer can still be seen in the original. 

[DavidPike]

Ah I've tried this and it's creating a view of the original data, this is strange functionality which I can't see as clearly documented.  So please ignore my previous posts (which I'm sure is easily done!). 

[EmilyGeo · Accepted solution]

When you 'Save' a Layer in Map Viewer, you are saving the Properties configured on that layer in that map, such as the style, field names, and pop-ups. 'Save As' can be used to create a differently styled version of the same layer, maybe one with a filter, or different visible fields.... essentially providing another way to view the SAME data. 

One way that you could create a SEPARATE copy of a hosted feature service would be to:

• Export the layer,
• change the name,
• and then upload that to ArcGIS Online.

This video can walk you through the steps. 

[Richard_Purkis]

Hi @RachelMassa 

Other workflows for duplicating content include:

• Use the  ArcGIS API for Python to clone content.
• Use third party sites such as AGO Assistant to copy content. Note this workflow is not supported by Esri.

Hope this helps